(hye dray' shun)

Your doctor has ordered an intravenous hydration solution for injection. Hydration solution is used for patients who cannot or should not get fluids through drinking and eating. The hydration solution will drip through a needle or catheter in your vein for about 10-12 hours each day, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Your hydration solution may include a combination of sugar and carbohydrates (for energy), electrolytes, and trace elements. Your solution may contain all or some of these substances, depending on your condition. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. Trace elements include zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. Electrolytes and trace elements are important for maintaining almost every organ in your body. They help your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly and keep you from becoming dehydrated. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before administering hydration,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any drugs.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially corticosteroids, heart or diabetes medications, and vitamins.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, or lung disease.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking hydration, call your doctor.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Before you administer hydration solution, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Hydration may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:

fever or chills

stomach pain

difficulty breathing

rapid weight gain or loss

increased urination

upset stomach

vomiting

confusion or memory loss

muscle weakness, twitching, or cramps

swelling of the hands, feet, or legs

increased thirst

tingling in the hands or feet

jumpy reflexes

seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of hydration at a time. You will be told to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Take your next dose from the refrigerator 4-6 hours before using it; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to warm to room temperature.

If you are told to store additional hydration in the freezer, always move a 24-hour supply to the refrigerator for the next day's use.

Do not refreeze medications.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.